Youth Services and Programming Lead

html Job Description

Employer: Family and Children's Services Niagara

Posting Date: May 26, 2026

Location: Niagara Falls

Closing Date: June 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Type: Regular Full-Time

Posting Location: External – N48/26

WHO WE ARE

Family and Children's Services has been making a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, and families in Niagara for more than a century. As a multiservice agency providing child welfare services, fostering and adoption, counselling, and childcare, the team at FACS Niagara works to keep children safe and families strong.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Service Director, the Youth Services and Programming Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of all child and youth programs and activities, including the staffing and supervision of the Supervised Access Program (SAP), New Outlooks and Beginnings (NOB) Program, and, as needed, the Transitional Youth Worker (TYW) Program, including youth on VYSA. This is done in accordance with the prescribed guidelines and regulations of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and Ministry and Agency Standards & Policies & Procedures. This position will also include facilitating the Navigating Adulthood Program.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Consultation and Supervision

• Ensures prompt and effective youth service management delivery.
• Supervises, advises, monitors, and mentors NOB and SAP staff in all aspects of planning, organizing, and delivering program services to children, youth, and their families.
• Supervises the staff in the development of goal-oriented service plans for youth preparing for independence, reviews progress, provides timely feedback, and resolves issues throughout the case involvement.
• Provides supervisory coverage and leadership as required and assigned.
• Monitors and reviews all service delivery in accordance with agency policy, professional standards, and legislative requirements.
• Supervises the facilitation of life skills, social skills group programs, and therapeutic access programs.
• Meets with children, youth, volunteers, staff, or community partners to clarify processes and expectations and to review progress, gather information, and/or create a shared understanding of support services.
• Attends case conferences to review plans, set direction, allocate resources, delegate tasks, etc., often including collateral professionals to ensure appropriate coordination of services.
• Plans and leads group supervision sessions and records accurate minutes to reflect group supervision discussion and key learning opportunities.
• Organizes and chairs assignment meetings, demonstrating salient risk factors, decision-making, and clinical direction.
• Meets with the Child Welfare Supervisor and their staff for discussion, clarification of information, and determining service direction.
• Monitors, reviews, and ensures timely completion of work tasks and coaches and mentors staff in effective service delivery.
• Approves all related expenditures according to agency policy and processes.
• Participates directly in unusual, contentious, or problematic situations involving the scope of their portfolio in consultation with the Service Director as necessary.
• Provides assistance in the resolution of any conflicts with collaterals which may occur during the course of their direct reports carrying out their duties.

Program Delivery

• Schedules staff to ensure adequate day-to-day coverage for the provision of necessary services to youth and for programs at the agency.
• Establishes goals and objectives for relevant programs which reflect the agency's vision and mission.
• In conjunction with Child Protection Supervisors and the Service Director, continually improves youth programs and seeks feedback from stakeholders.
• Responds to client complaints, documents steps taken, conducts reviews as required, and reports the findings.
• Approves social activities and programs for youth as identified by the youth and the staff.
• Ensures all service programs and procedures are implemented in accordance with relevant legislation and agency policy and procedures.
• Implements and participates in quality improvement processes and activities and ensures all Ministry and agency documentation, including case notes and reports, are submitted by their direct reports within the required timeframes and input into the electronic case record.
• Implements recommendations and action plans emanating from internal and external reviews and provides input into possible improvements to programs and services.
• Collaborates with community partners.
• Ensures the delivery of funding envelopes (OCBE/RESP) for youth are in accordance with Ministry guidelines and monitors for efficiencies.

Supervision/Leadership

• Manages recruitment, performance evaluation, coaching, discipline, and termination where necessary, ensuring accordance with Human Resources policy and within the context of the collective agreement.
• Oversees staff orientation, learning, and development plans and ensures accordance with FACS policy, procedure, and guidelines.
• Manages the effective and efficient distribution and utilization of team staff members based on the established productivity levels, program goals, and guidelines that ensure continuity in the provision of necessary services and sufficient staff coverage.
• Provides supervision to all team members and manages in a manner that motivates, guides, and directs employees in FACS values, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Leads regular team meetings to set goals and monitor team performance and engages the team in the successful accomplishment of goals.
• Holds people accountable to standards of performance, including conducting annual performance appraisals that support staff in establishing and attaining performance goals as well as ongoing performance management.
• Works in and ensures that staff work in a manner consistent with the requirements/regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and FACS policy and procedures.
• Manages attendance according to policy.
• Exemplifies and inspires behaviors, actions, and attitudes that are consistent with FACS vision, mission, and values.
• As a member of the Management Team, participates in the development and successful implementation of the Strategic Plan.
• Provides leadership for the operational success of the youth service teams and provides supportive leadership during periods of change.
• Provides advice on program issues and challenges to both senior management and/or FACS employees.
• Provides leadership and direction with respect to services within the agency and community collaterals to ensure the best possible service to the youth.
• Articulates and constantly monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of the team to ensure the highest level of service is being provided.
• Reviews, assesses, and/or has input into policy and programs that best meet the needs of the team, children/youth, and organization.
• Provides leadership to designated work groups, programs, and/or committees as required.
• Represents FACS in OACAS and joint CAS/community committees; participates on committees as required.

Relationship Management

• Represents FACS in conferences, meetings, and on multidisciplinary/community teams including OECT.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships both internally and externally to ensure the most effective services are provided.
• Demonstrates excellent crisis intervention and crisis management skills.
• Recognizes and fosters meaningful relationships with Agency donors.

Other Related Activities

• Monitors and approves selected expenditures and contributes to cost containment in areas of authority and responsibility (i.e., NOB, TYW, and Supervised Access Program budget).
• Ensures own and program/staff expenditures adhere to FACS policies.
• Exceeds all accountabilities and achieves continuous quality improvement and excellence in all activities and outcomes.
• Prepares statistical reports.
• Participates in mandatory learning/education to maintain and update skills and knowledge as required.
• Assists in the training and orientation of peers/direct reports.
• Assists with grant applications, the tracking of grant requirements, and completing final reports, as required, with the FACS Foundation.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant Human Service field, with over three (3+) years of working experience in the Child Welfare field, preferably in a leadership capacity. Consideration will be given to a relevant Diploma with extensive experience in youth program facilitation and development.
• Previous knowledge of Youth Program Management and Development, including specific knowledge and/or experience in the New Outlooks and Beginnings, Supervised Access, or Transitional Youth programs.
• Previous supervisory experience is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of FACS programs and services.
• Experience with employment and education, and post-secondary pathways is an asset.
• Knowledge of legislation governing child welfare, including CYFSA and its regulations & Ministry standards.
• Excellent knowledge and experience in the application of service delivery and best practice and the ability to transmit this through training, coaching, and mentoring.
• Specific knowledge of behavior modification, engagement strategies, crisis intervention theory, and teaching parenting skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge in programming and services available to youth in the community.
• Specific knowledge of youth on Voluntary Youth Service Agreements (VYSA).
• Valid G Driver's License and access to a reliable motor vehicle with four (4) seats and appropriate liability insurance required.

General Skills and Attributes

• Solid ability to use MS Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, etc.).
• Excellent ability to make decisions of sound judgment, often in crisis or emergency situations, and to manage the crisis situation appropriately.
• Excellent ability to think analytically with attention to detail in the presence of frequent interruptions.
• Excellent planning, time-management, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated creativity and program creation skills.
• Excellent professional business written and oral communication along with good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide articulate, constructive, meaningful, and timely interaction at all levels with the ability to make complex issues understandable.
• Excellent mentoring, coaching, and communication skills to provide instructions and guidance to staff with respect to activities, challenges, and questions.
• Excellent dispute resolution and crisis management skills.
• Advanced understanding and commitment to quality service and best practice.
• Highly detail-oriented.
• Ability to deal with highly sensitive and personal information in a confidential manner; acts with integrity and trustworthiness.
• Demonstrated critical thinking.
• Excellent ability to work with and meet tight timelines.
• Ability to communicate in French or another language is an asset.

Efforts and Working Conditions

• This position coordinates a team that works flexible hours; therefore, it is a requirement to work evening and weekend hours.
• Work is primarily performed at a desk in a normal office environment.
• Intermediate periods of sitting and computer/phone use.
• The incumbent has the freedom to move about or change position at will.
• Multi-tasks within a fast-paced, high-volume, and demanding environment.
• Occasional periods of data analysis and proofing of records required.
• Absorbs and interprets information from multiple parties on a regular basis.
• Required to listen to and reconcile multiple points of view being discussed/presented.
• Frequent interruptions often dealing with critical issues.
• Travel to FACS sites or within the region. Occasional travel outside the region is required.
• Provides on-call support evenings and weekends on a rotating basis as required.

Please apply with your cover letter and resume by June 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., to [email protected].

We thank all applicants; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Please only apply for this position if you plan on accepting upon an offer. If you are the successful candidate, you must indicate your acceptance when the position is offered. This job posting is to fill an existing vacancy.

Family and Children's Services Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise the Human Resources Department to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process.

About Family and Children's Services Niagara

A lot has changed in our community and our world since the founding of Family and Children's Services Niagara in 1898, but our organization's commitment to safe kids and strong families holds true. We are a multiservice agency that exists to help our community thrive. Through an extensive portfolio of programming, including child welfare services, fostering and adoption, counselling, and childcare, FACS Niagara protects our community's children, strengthens its families, and helps youth and adults achieve their full potential. FACS Niagara is an excellent option for community-minded individuals to build rewarding careers. In 2025, the agency was recognized as one of Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers.